Pres. Weah requests extension of pending Senatorial Elections

MONROVIA,
LIBERIA-President George Weah has requested the National Legislature to extend
the pending 2020 Senatorial Elections and Referendum from October 13 to
December 15, 2020.

In a letter to the House
of Representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2020, President quoted the National
Elections Commission as saying the October 13 schedule is not feasible.

According to the President,
this is because major preparatory activities, including the Voter Registration Update
(VRU), international procurement for the VRU, recruitment and training of the
temporary staff, have not been completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President’s
communication further noted that flights have been grounded, borders closed,
countries are experiencing lockdown couple with the restriction of movements,
large gatherings and other activities, which have been imposed to contain the
virus.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has mandated its Elections,
Judiciary and Health Committees to review the President’s communication and
report within one week.

In another development,
President George Weah has conveyed to the House of Representatives critical
issues regarding the state of preparation of the 2020-2021 Fiscal Budget.

President Weah also
requested an extension of the deadline for the submission of the Draft Budget
from 30 to May 31, 2020.

The communication stated
that there are several underlining factors impeding the Draft Budget in the
wake of COVID-19.

President Weah also
recounted the difference in global prices of key commodities, Low Foreign
Direct Investment and fall in donor support among others.

ELBC Legislative Reporter
said the House of Representatives has also requested its Ways, Means and
Finance Committee to advise Plenary on the instrument.